Could Buffalo Bills quarterback E.J. Manuel possibly be added to Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly’s quarterback assortment? That’s a possibility if Manuel fails to impress during training camp and the preseason.
Keep in mind, Kelly told the NFL Network in 2013 that Manuel was someone he “didn’t get a chance to coach but would like a chance to coach” when he recruited the former Florida State quarterback at Oregon (h/t SB Nation).
Additionally, Manuel mentioned the Eagles as a specific landing spot prior to the 2013 NFL draft.
“They (the Eagles) want me pretty bad. But I think it’s just a matter of who takes me first, because I know the Eagles may want me. The Cleveland Browns may want me, the Buffalo Bills and the Jets,” Manuel said back in 2013, via CSN Philly. “think those are all sequential picks, you know what I mean, within those top 13 picks or whatever. I’m just hoping one team loves me, because really, that’s all you need, one team to fall in love with you.”
Of all the teams Manuel mentioned, it was the Bills who apparently fell in love. They selected him 16th overall in the 2013 draft.
Since then, Manuel’s stock has plummeted after an unsuccessful rookie season where he only played in 10 games and dealt with minor injuries. This past year was even worse for Manuel, who started in only four games before he was benched in lieu of backup quarterback Kyle Orton.
Manuel’s best last chance to earn the Bills starting job will be during training camp and the preseason. He will be competing with Matt Cassel and Tyrod Taylor to start under center Week 1.
If Manuel fails to impress new head coach Rex Ryan and company, does this mean the Bills will put him on the block? If so, will Kelly and the Eagles come calling? We all know just how much Philadelphia looks to stir up the pot at quarterback.
Photo: USA Today Sports